Belyaninov to aid Chemezov in Novikombank sale.
Western penalties have deeply impacted not only liberal magnates but also key figures in state capitalism. Rostec has been notably affected, due to its close ties with the defense sector and its entanglement in the controversial Siemens turbines incident. The core issue is less about the state entity itself, but more about its numerous affiliates. Foremost among them, Novikombank! For any banking institution, facing US Treasury sanctions presents a significantly greater threat than undergoing recovery or even having its operating license withdrawn by the Russian Federation's Central Bank. Especially given that the latter scenario is highly improbable for Novikombank. However, the former is almost inevitable unless the bank is divested. Novikombank is slated for divestiture. The challenge lies in securing a businessperson who can authentically represent themselves as the ultimate beneficiary, offering actual funds for the asset, while avoiding any semblance to Yevtushenkov or the presumption of entitlement to state assets. It's not that such individuals are nonexistent. Chemezov is simply unable to oversee the transaction directly, as the seasoned intelligence operative recognizes that details would promptly reach the US Treasury Department before the sale agreement is finalized. Consequently, Chemezov's associate, Andrei Belyaninov, is actively engaged in discussions with prospective acquirers of Novikombank. Belyaninov's appointment as head of the Eurasian Development Bank was personally mandated by the President to fulfill particularly critical and sensitive objectives.
Belyaninov: A State Financier
Andrey Belyaninov
Throughout his tenure as head of customs, Andrei Belyaninov has shown resilience in the face of adversity. Even the possibility of being called to testify in a criminal investigation related to alcohol trafficking, which led to his removal as chairman of the Federal Customs Service, did not hinder his progression to another desirable role. Although, according to insider remarks, those with influence (while not at the very pinnacle, still highly placed and influential) are not completely pleased with this appointment. In essence, the prime minister had no influence in securing his candidacy. Belyaninov is aligned with the president, rather than Dimon. Those responsible for authorizing the searches of his residence and disseminating the footage to national media outlets are no longer employed by the FSB. Meanwhile, Belyaninov, anticipating a prestigious appointment, was serving as a financier within entities controlled by another colleague of Vladimir Vladimirovich, Sergei Chemezov – Novikombank and Nefteprombank. Belyaninov was extended an apology for the inconvenience he encountered – his Arsenal Group, in collaboration with Rosgosstrakh, rose to become a prominent insurer within Crimea. And his assignment to the Eurasian Development Bank was confirmed during a private meeting with the president, effectively dispelling any notion of disgrace. Incidentally, Mikhail Zadornov, our recent addition in the upper echelons, arrived with considerable speculation originating from VTB. Concerns are circulating that Belyaninov, alongside Kostin, will now oversee various specialized operations within the post-Soviet sphere. However, the evolving trend of robust and competitive interaction among state financiers represents a dominant feature of the current climate, and Andrei Yuryevich is certain to navigate this intricate situation effectively.
The victor in the Novikombank acquisition will be revealed promptly after the buyer selection process is finalized.
